GLADSTONE — The U.S. Forest Service announces two Hiawatha National Forest volunteers have been selected to receive the 2022 Eastern Region Volunteer Award for the Enduring Service category.

Those volunteers, Bob Kahl and Linda Rehorst, have been faithful volunteers in support of operations and maintenance of Grand Island National Recreation Area program on the Munising Ranger District of the Hiawatha National Forest since 2011. Since 2011, these two, incredible volunteers have amassed over 9,000 volunteer hours on Grand Island. Bob and Linda both commute from the Marquette, Michigan, area. Bob and Linda have consistently volunteered their time two to three, sometimes, up to five days a week to support operations on Grand Island.

“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of these two amazing volunteers,” said Hiawatha Forest Supervisor, Mary Moore.

As part of their volunteer service, Kahl and Rehorst connected with island visitors to help them plan their stay on the island. They made, stacked, and delivered firewood to campsites, and conducted road and trail clearing and maintenance. They did painting; installed new picnic tables and fire rings at campsites/day use areas; maintained, repaired, and cleaned facilities; conducted compliance education of Forest Service rules and regulations; maintained positive relationships with Grand Island recreation residents; installed new signage; and closed/rehabilitated unauthorized trails and campsites.

Hiawatha Recreation Specialist, Brian Hinch, nominated the pair for the award.

“Bob and Linda’s consistency, hard work, and dedication are testaments to the care and love they have for Grand Island,” said Hinch. “The staffing and project support they have provided has been invaluable to the success of island operations.”

According to Hinch, Kahl and Rehorst are ideal volunteers: self-motivated, dedicated, hardworking, and ethical. Bringing these skills to the table, they produce incredible results during their volunteer hours.

“They understand the work and maintenance that needs to be done to maintain the island’s infrastructure and maximize their hours to ensure the public’s needs are served,” said Hinch. He added that each day they volunteer, Bob and Linda’s daily check-out text message includes a “mile-long” list of items accomplished, questions, and ideas they both may have to make the island a better place to visit.

“I don’t know two volunteers that deserve this Eastern Region Volunteer Service Award for Enduring Service more than these two reliable volunteers,” said Forest Supervisor Moore. “They are model for the volunteerism that the Forest Service strives to attract and retain in support of the Forest Service mission.”

If you are interested in volunteering on the National Forest, please contact your local district office for more information. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/hiawatha/about-forest/contactus.)